HUNTINGTON, West Virginia. To increase COVID-19 testing opportunities for all West Virginians, and especially to assure access for minorities and other vulnerable populations, the Governor’s Office, the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs, WV DHHR, and the WV National Guard partnered with the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, the Huntington Black Pastors Ministerial Association, QLabs, Mountain Health Network, Marshall Health, and Valley Health Systems to provide 657 tests during two testing events held on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23.
The Cabell-Huntington Health Department has been diligently working to gather all the results and to notify the tested individuals. Less than five* persons tested positive out of the 657 tests. All negative results are being mailed out today. Any Cabell County residents who tested positive for COVID-19 at the event have already been contacted by the Cabell-Huntington Health Department.
“It is important for all Cabell County residents to know that COVID-19 testing is available not only at special events like this but at several sites in the county on a daily basis,” said Dr. Michael Kilkenny, Physician Director of the Cabell-Huntington Health Department. “It’s also important to realize that this virus is present in the community, often without symptoms, and that everyone can take precautions to help prevent the spread of the disease, especially as we increase our contact with one another. Cabell Countians do a great job of watching out and taking care of each other. This was a great opportunity for the community to get tested. We will continue to provide updates on future testing opportunities and up-to-date information on guidance.”
*Consistent with high public health standards, it is the policy of the Cabell-Huntington Health Department to protect personal identity by reporting small numbers of individuals as “Less than five.”